Brian Thomson (trumpet) Brian began playing cornet in brass bands at the age
of 10, taking up the trumpet later in high school. Further studies include a Bachelor
of Music degree at Goldsmiths College, University of London, followed by a postgraduate
Diploma at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama. During this period he was a member
of the European Union Youth Orchestra for two years. From 1993-6 Brian was principal
trumpet of the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, during which time he was professor
of trumpet at the Hong Kong Institute of Arts. After returning, Brian was appointed
co-principal trumpet with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in 1998. His solo performances
include the Haydn, Hummel and Vivaldi double concertos and Shostakovich`s Concerto
for Piano and Trumpet. He also freelances with all the orchestras of London and others
such as the Orchestra L'Accademia Nazionale di Santa Cecilia in Rome. In early 2005,
Brian was promoted to principal trumpet with the RPO. In his youth, Brian raced motorbikes.
